Speeding in California

Many think that you need to be in a high-speed car chase to be ticketed for speeding. Even a few notches above the speed limit especially in a speed controlled area such as a school zone or restricted area can make you afoul of the law.

The speed your car is traveling is determined through a device called a radar gun. This device is able to electronically track your car’s current speed. When warned, the police officer would then give chase and then ask you to park your car. The police officer then would ask for your driver’s license, car registration and insurance papers. The officer would then inform you of your violation and be observed to determine if any other moving violations have been committed. After this observation, a ticket would be issued as a traffic citation for your action. Nowadays, automated radar guns have cameras that record the violation.

When a traffic citation is issued, the driver is required to pay the attendant fine for the violation. For automated citations, the violation is recorded and a summons would be issued to the individual requiring payment of the fine. Failure to pay the fine would merit much more severe penalties.

Another penalty imposable is mandatory attendance in a driver’s refresher course. When the accused pleads guilty or no contest nolo contendere to the crime charged. In trials for this level of crime, often it can be a summary procedure through written pleadings or a trial de novo. In summary procedures, only written documentation is submitted and deemed sufficient in determining the case. For a trial de novo, the accused’s evidence would be reviewed by a trial judge to determine liability. Afterwards, the full trial would commence.

The crime of speeding is a serious matter in California. Should you be or know anyone facing any of these charges, do reach out to the lawyers at the Law Offices of Ramiro J. Lluis for a free consultation today.